David Peterson

David Peterson, 88, peacefully passed away at home on March 17, 2023. He was born to Arthur and Edna (Rogers) Peterson on January 10, 1935. He grew up working on the family farm along Bear Creek, and was very involved in 4H and high school athletics. He attended Bear Creek High School, graduating as valedictorian in 1953. Although Dave and Rita Renaud were schoolmates since elementary school, it wasn’t until their senior year that they started dating and that was the beginning of their lifelong friendship, love and devotion. Dave and Rita were married in August 1955 and would have celebrated their 68th anniversary this year.

He attended Colorado A&M (now CSU) majoring in Animal Science and was in the ROTC program. He served two years in the Army and received an Honorable Discharge as a Second Lieutenant. After working at the First National Bank of Denver, Dave started his own real estate management company which evolved into farm and ranch management and rural appraisal. He was a 50 year member and Past President of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) and helped create the Education Foundation for that organization. He fully retired at the end of December, 2021. The largest legacy he leaves behind, besides his family, is that his appraisal firm valued over a million acres of farm and ranch lands throughout Colorado and Wyoming for conservation easement purposes.

Dave was proud of his family first and foremost, but also took pride in the appraisal work he performed and the relationships he created through his years in the banking, property management and especially the appraisal industry.

He is survived by his wife, Rita, of 67 years, daughters Debbie Peterson-Payne, Dawn Peterson-Powell (Greg), granddaughter Jessica Peterson Currat (William), grandson Greg Peterson, and their mother Cynthia DeLarber. He was preceded in death by his son David Eugene Peterson, Jr., son-in-law Larry Payne, brother Kenneth Peterson and sister Nancy Ballinger.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life held at the Den at Fox Hollow Golf Course at 13410 Morrison Rd. in Lakewood, on April 4th, 2-5 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in David’s name to the Education Foundation of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, https://www.asfmra.org/about-us/education-foundation

Please share memories and condolences with David's family by signing the Tribute Wall.
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